Those that love dill pickles do not always keep the juice once the pickles are gone. It ends up going into the trash along with the jar, or it is poured down the drain. The seasoned liquid is worth saving to reuse in a number of delicious ways. I save the juice to reuse, especially during the summer months when the garden produces an abundance of fresh veggies. The flavor of the liquid is phenomenal, especially when it includes dill, vinegar, whole peppercorns, fresh minced garlic and other tasty spices. Why waste it?
Enjoy Easy Pink or White Pickled Eggs
Pickled hard boiled eggs are a classic summer side dish, and they are still available in many grocery stores and delis. Unfortunately, they can be quite expensive. They are much cheaper to prepare at home, and it is incredibly easy when using leftover pickle juice. For pretty pink hard boiled eggs, add between one half of a cup to one cup of beet juice to the seasoned liquid. Place the peeled eggs in the jar. They should be completely covered by the liquid. Sliced white, yellow or red onions are optional.
Within just a few hours, the hard boiled eggs will begin to turn a pretty shade of purplish pink, and they will taste just as good as those sold in delis and stores. Consider using the finished product to prepare unique and flavorful deviled eggs instead of the ordinary mild yellow and white boiled variety. They are phenomenal, and the pretty pink exteriors are ideal for spring meals and special occasions.
Season Fresh Cucumber Slices in Dill Pickle Juice
My favorite way to reuse dill pickle juice is also the easiest. Those that grow fresh garden pickles can slice them into discs or wedges and store them for up to one month in leftover dill juice. It will take just a couple of days for the cucumbers to fully absorb the flavorful liquid. They will be crisp, crunchy and very tasty. For best results, they must be fully covered by the liquid and kept adequately chilled.
Add it to Creamy Salad Mixtures
You can also reuse dill pickle juice in cool creamy salads. When my daughter and I prepare deviled eggs, we stir in a couple of teaspoons of dill pickle juice, even if the jar is not empty. The creamy egg yolk mixture is much zestier and far more flavorful. The seasoned liquid can also be stirred into tuna salad, chicken salad, macaroni salad and all other creamy concoctions that could use a little extra flavor and zest.
Marinade Boneless Chicken in Dill Pickle Juice
Dill pickle juice is also a fantastic marinade. Reuse it to make boneless chicken more tender and flavorful. Pour it into a plastic zipper bag, and add the fresh chicken. Allow it to marinate for a few hours before preparation. It can be grilled, baked, stewed or coated and fried. Discard the leftover pickle juice after using it to marinade raw poultry or any other type of raw meat. It will have served its purpose, and as a result, you will end up with an incredibly delicious meal.
Source: Personal Food Preparation Experience and Experimentation
